The story behind the photo is this: My employer at the time, J. Walter Thompson Advertising, was looking for a host for the annual charity auction. I suggested
Dick Purtan, the new morning drive guy on WKNR radio. Most of my co-workers hadn't much heard of him (yet), so I offered to make the call and ask if he would consider the honors. Much to my surprise, he agreed right away.
When the event rolled around, they figured that since I was the one who initiated the call, I should be in charge of hostessing the host.
The dress I'm wearing was the first 'mini' I owned. It seemed quite risque then (until Hot Pants made their debut a few years later). To accessorize my ensemble, I wore a wide bangle bracelet, t-strap shoes, ratted hair fixed in place with plenty of Aquanet, and Twiggy eyelashes. (Hey, I was 19...what can I say.)
But Dick definitely outclassed me with that crazy mod tie.
I can't recall the names of my co-workers in the front row there, but I didn't crop them out because it now seems so strange to see people smoking in the office...not to mention the popular 'daisy' themed clothing.
LISTEN TO DICK'S FIRST DETROIT RADIO SHOW ON WKNR
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February 22, 2010
After 45 years in Detroit radio...
1967
It's DICK PURTAN and me, EILEEN TROMBLEY,
discussing Dick's responsibilities as host of
J. Walter Thompson Annual Charity Auction.
Dick signed this photo for me at the Motor City Radio Reunion on
Sept 25, 2010 in Novi MI. When I told him that no one recognized him in this photo, he wrote "Even I don't remember me looking like this!"
